SPORTING legend Sir Clive Woodward and Hunters Property Group are backing the campaign to build a new community sports centre and football pitch for Easingwold School.

Former pupil Sir Clive, who was England’s Head Coach at their Rugby World Cup triumph in 2003 and the Team GB Director of Sport at London 2012, met pupils from the school when he attended Hunters Property Group's annual National Conference at York Racecourse.

He and Hunters managing director Kevin Hollinrake learnt how the new facilities will encourage and develop pupils’ ability and passion for sport.

Hunters has donated £12,000 to date towards the project.

The school was built in 1954 but due to the lack of government funding for schools in rural areas, the indoor sports facilities have changed little since that time, said a Hunters spokesman.

Mr Hollinrake said: “As a former student of Easingwold School, I am delighted that we at Hunters are able to support the building of their new sporting facilities for current and future pupils to use and enjoy.

"Sir Clive Woodward OBE has had a fantastic career on the sporting field, and I hope that the school’s latest facilities will inspire students to achieve similar greatness within the sporting arena."